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I love engaging in new adventures and hobbies … but typically it’s with a “been there, got the t-shirt” mentality. It seems as soon as I find a passion for one thing, a new fascination develops. In just the last 10 years, I’ve been engrossed in mountain biking, fast cars, illusionism, learning new instruments, post-modern/emergent culture, computers, online poker, snowboarding … and most recently, technology.

I just can’t believe what little I know about technology and the internet. I would say friends and family consider me their “go-to” person for all their tech needs … I develop websites, set up wireless routers, design hip logos, help research the best digital cameras under $300, post pictures online, and can pretty much hold my own in the occasional geekified conversation. But recently, I have become overwhelmed by all that’s out there. Companies are starting up daily pushing the limits of technology and the web. Social media/networking, search mashups, tag search engines, peer-to-peer voice technology, wiki’s … the list never ends. As soon as I think I’ve figured it out, I realize there’s 100 more links itching to be clicked.

Millions of students and singles lap up this technology, because they get to perpetually re-invent themselves. As they seek out their own identity, they’re given “safe” places to test new behaviors, personalities, and attitudes. If they disappoint a friend, they simply remove them from their “friends” list. If they don’t like the results they’re getting, they get a new username, and along with it, a brand new identity.

Instinctively, however, we know we’ve each only been given one “username”. Desperately trying to balance family, our faith, career, finances, hobbies, entertainment, health, and more, many of us are frantically bouncing from one area of life to another, trying to salvage whatever part of life has recently been neglected. We can’t understand why the “1. God, 2. Family, 3. Career” method fails us, but just pray our lives remain “compartmentalized” and in control. We desperately want to improve, but we’re already teetering on insanity in our attempts to “order” our lives.

I believe there is a better way. I believe God’s intentions were not to isolate one part of life from another. I believe it is possible to desire success and humility, to live with purpose and enjoy life, to achieve great things and contribute to society. But could it be true that the very thing we’ve grown up fearing is the very thing that will set us free? Of course, it takes courage to allow every area of life to merge — What will your church friends say? What will your fishing buddies think? Will your family accept the new you? What would it look like if you found “congruence” in every aspect of life?

Tags: balance, personal development, purpose

With so much transition in life, so many relationships that are impossible to “categorize”, I have decided to give this a shot. I’m not sure how often I’ll post comments, but I encourage you to dive in with me!

Looking forward to the journey …

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